More Deals With Writers & Why You Should Care

First David Letterman made a deal with the Writers Guild so he could use professional writing talent (and get stars to start showing up on his show again). Then came United Artists, which Tom Cruise is trying to revive. Now the Weinstein Company, a huge name in independent film, has signed an interim deal with the WGA. This has lessons for those writers who think that they always have to give in and have no power.

“We need to get people back to work,” Mr. Weinstein said of the agreement. He said executives of the major film and television companies — which broke off talks with the writers last month — had reacted “negatively” to his decision to reach independent terms. But Mr. Weinstein said he felt an obligation to help break the logjam that has shut down much of the entertainment industry.

Other production companies are seeking independent deals. The major studios haven't given in, but there is only so long they can hold out when companies that can and will produce film and television - and online entertainment - swoop in to pick up consumer dollars. The reason writers have felt that they have little power is that they have given it away by giving up.

As for another example of why to push for rights, there is this "tidbit" passed on from writer activist Debra Cash:

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As she notes, "...and they wonder why writers are striking over residuals for the as yet undetermined media of the future..." Actually, they don't wonder; the major corporations just want it all for themselves. Now is the time to keep pushing back.